Wendell Phillips
Wendell Phillips (1811-1884) was one of the movement’s most powerful
orators. The Harvard-educated lawyer came from a wealthy and influential
Boston family, many of whom were appalled by his activism in support of
the abolitionist cause. However, he was undaunted in his work and was
thrust into prominence when he gave a riveting speech in Boston’s
Faneuil Hall in defense of Elijah Lovejoy in 1837. The Rev. Lovejoy had
been murdered for his repeated attempts to run a printing press sympathetic
to the abolitionist cause. Phillips used plain, yet metaphorical language
to convey his message. He also gave generously to abolitionists in need
of financial assistance.